Cold application

1. Cold Applications
PRESENTED BY- MANDEEP KAUR
BSC NURSING 1 YEAR
2023018

2. DEFINITION
 Cold application is the application of cold agent, cooler than skin either in
a moist or dry form on the surface of the body to relieve pain and body
temperature, to anesthetized an area ,to check hemorrhage, to control
growth of bacteria , to prevent edema and reduce inflammation.

3. PURPOSES OF COLD APPLICATIONS
 To reduce raised body temperature during high fever, hyper pyrexia or
sun stroke .
 To relieve pain.
 To prevent inflammation
 To reduce subcutaneous bleeding . Eg. In sprain and contusion.
 To prevent edema.
 To anesthetize an area.
 To decrease metabolic rate of the body.
 To provide comfort.

4. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF COLD
APPLICATIONS
PRIMARY EFFECTS
 Peripheral Vasoconstriction.
 Decreased capillary permeability.
 Decreased local metabolism.
 Decreased oxygen consumption
 Blood flow is Decreased
 Muscle tone is Decreased.

5. CONTD….
SECONDARY EFFECTS
 The primary effect of cold application may last only for 30 minutes to one
hour , after this time , a recovery time of one hour must be allowed or
secondary effects (vasodilation) will take place.

6. CONTRADICATIONS OF COLD
APPLICATIONS
 Cold application should not be applied on patient who are in a state of
shock and collapse.
 Cold application should not be applied when there is edema.
 Cold application should not be applied when there is muscles spasm.
 Cold application should not be applied in diseases or or disorders
associated with impaired circulation.
 Cold application should not be applied when there is decreased
sensation.

7. CONTD….
 Cold application should not be applied when there is infection would.
 Cold application should not be applied when the patient is having
shivering or having a very low temperature.

8. TYPES OF COLD APPLICATION

9. COLD COMPRESS
 Cold compress is a local moist application made our of folded layers of gauze,lint piece
or old soft linen wring out of cold or ice water or some in evaporating lotion.
 General instructions
1. Application of cold compress over the skin helps in the conduction of heat.
2. Cold application beyond 20 minutes leads to secondary effects.
3. Check the temperature every 15 minutes , it helps in detection of any variation in body
temperature.

10. CONTD….
 Preliminary assessment check
1. The doctor order for any specific instructions.
2. General condition and diagnosis of patient.
3. Self care ability of the patient.
4. Assess for the need of cold application.
5. Frequency and duration of application for any contraindication of cold
application.
6. Articles available in the unit.

11. CONTD…
 Equipment
A clean tray containing
1. Bowl with ice water
2. Folded gauze pieces in a bowl.
3. Mackintosh and towel.
4. Small cotton balls in a Bowl.
5. Thermometer tray.

12. CONTD…
 Procedure
1. Wash hands.
2. Pack the ears with cotton balls if compress is to be applied to forehead.
3. Take the gauze pieces , immerse it in the water and wring it.
4. Make sure that there is no dripping of water and apply it to the part
ordered.
5. Change it as soon as it becomes warm.
6. Check the temperature every 15 minutes.
7. Keep a constant watch on the color of the skin. Test the skin for
numbness.

13. CONTD…
 After care
1. When the time is over remove the compress.
2. Wipe the part and make patient comfortable.
3. Take out the cotton balls from the year.
4. Inspect the part for discoloration or numbness.
5. Place the patient in a comfortable position.
6. Check the vital signs at the end of treatment.
7. Replace the articles after cleaning.

14. CONTD…
 There are many other cold application such as Ice cap ( Ice collar), tepid
sponge(cold sponge) and cold pack etc.